After a stellar weekend between the pipes for Wisconsin, Vees alum Joel Rumpel was named the WCHA Defensive Player of the Week Tuesday. Rumpel was outstanding in a weekend series against Minnesota-Duluth. Friday Rumpel registered his first career NCAA shuthout, then for a followup, making 35 saves in a 2-2 tie.

Congrats Joel!

WCHA Press Release:

University of Wisconsin goaltenderJoel Rumpel, who stopped 64 of 66 shots on goal for a .970 saves percentage and recorded a shutout while backstopping the Badgers to a victory and tie at No. 14-ranked Minnesota Duluth last weekend, is the Red Baron® WCHA Defensive Player of the Week for Oct. 30.

A 6-3, 185-pound sophomore from Swift Current, Sask., Rumpel’s outstanding play between the pipes enabled visiting Wisconsin to claim three points from the Bulldogs with a 2-0 triumph on Oct. 26 and 2-2 (ot) tie on Oct. 27. He blanked UMD on Friday with a 29-save effort for his fourth careeer shutout and second in five games dating to last season. He also held UMD scoreless on two power-plays, including a 5:00-minute major late in the third. On Saturday, Rumpel returned to the UW nets and recorded 35 saves in the overtime tie, with double-digit save totals in three periods. The Badgers trailed 2-0 in the third fell but Rumpel kept his team in the game, despite a 26-10 UMD shot advantage. He also stopped UMD on all five power-play chances.

Rumpel, a free agent, has now allowed two goals or less in nine of his last 10 games dating back to last season. He is 1-1-1 this season with a 1.30 goals-against average and .954 save percentage.